This Kung Fu Martial Arts is an almost impossible category. This label is attached to almost any
martial art that comes from China. It is Kung Fu Uniform generic name for literally hundreds
of individual Chinese fighting arts. In reality we should have an entry for each
individual Kung Fu style we are interested in, but this would fill entire
volumes. However, we will do our best.

This is extremely controversial. Most of what appears here is a summary of what
has been learned from Kung Fu
Uniform. There are vague references of a King in China some thousands of
years ago who trained his men in techniques of hand-to-hand combat to use in
fighting against invading barbarians. kung fu martial arts first real references of an organized
system of martial arts came from a man named General Chin Na. He taught a form
of combat to his soldiers which most people believe developed into what is
modern day Chin-Na.

The first written record we have of Chinese martial arts is from a Taoist
acupuncturist from kung fu martial arts 5th century. He describes combat designed along
kung fu martial arts lines
of an animal's movements and style.

Legend has it that a Buddhist monk named
Wing Tsun Kung Fu, also
called Ta Mo, came across kung fu martial arts Tibetan Mountains to China. kung
fu martial arts Emperor of China
at kung fu martial arts time was much impressed with kung fu martial arts man, and gave him a temple located in
Honan - kung fu martial arts famed Sui Lim Monastery (Shaolin Monastery). Ta Mo found that
kung fu martial arts monks there, while searching for spiritual enlightenment, had neglected their
physical bodies. He taught them some exercises and drills that they adapted into
fighting forms. This became kung fu martial arts famous Shaolin Kung Fu system.

"Kung Fu" means "skill and effort". It is used to describe anything that a
person Kung Fu Clothing to
spend time training in and becoming skillful in. (A chef can have good "kung
fu".) kung fu martial arts Chinese term that translates into "military art" is "Wushu". As all
martial arts, Wushu in its early stages of development was practiced primarily
for self-defense and for aquiring basic needs. As time progressed, innumerable
people tempered and processed Wushu in different ways. By China's Ming and Qing
dynasties (1368-1911), Wushu had formed its basic patterns.

Intense military conflicts served as catalysts for kung fu martial arts development of Wushu.
During China's Xia, Shang, and Zhou periods (2000BC to 771BC), Wushu matured and
formed complete systems of offense and defense, with kung fu martial arts emergence of bronze
weapons in quantity. During kung fu martial arts period of Warring States (770BC to 221BC),
kung fu martial arts heads of states and government advocated Wushu in their armies and kept Wushu
masters for their own Kung Fu
Uniform.

Military Wushu developed more systematically during kung fu martial arts Tang and Song dynasty
(618 to 1279) and exhibitions of Wushu arts were held in kung fu martial arts armies as morale
boosters and military exercises. In kung fu martial arts Ming and Qing dynasties,
kung fu martial arts general
development of Wushu was at its height. Military Wushu became more practical and
meticulous and was systematically classified and summarized . General
Kung Fu Clothing of kung fu
martial arts Ming
Dynasty delved into Wushu study and wrote "A New Essay on Wushu Arts", which
became an important book in China's military literature.

The latter half of kung fu martial arts 20th century has seen a great upswing in
kung fu martial arts interest of
Kung Fu world wide. kung fu martial arts introduction of Kung Fu to kung fu
martial arts
Shaolin Kung Fu Products
world has seen to it that its development and popularity will continue to grow.
Wushu is kung fu martial arts branch of martial arts originating in China. It is a modern art
that is mainly sport or demonstration. Not an art dating back centuries, but it
really has its roots in kung fu martial arts circus. Wushu was not practiced by
kung fu martial arts Shaolin
Monks. kung fu martial arts most famous Wushu student is Jet Li. He has his roots in Wushu
competitions and was Champion for many years. He got his big break in movies and
has since made many Hong Kong and American Films.

During kung fu martial arts "Springs and Autumns" period (770-476 B.C.) and "Fighting Kingdoms"
period (475-221 B.C.) greatest Chinese philosophers lived and worked: Konficiy,
Shaolin Kung Fu Products,
Meng-zi, Zhuang-zi. China received spiritual impulse, which had influence on
kung fu martial arts developing of all East Asia during kung fu martial arts next two thousand years. In I century
Buddhism began penetrate in China from India. Not only ordinary soldiers studied
martial arts (even some emperors fought on platforms), and by this reason
chinese martial arts gradually began merge with philosophical systems and
overgrow kung fu martial arts level of simple collection of methods of hand-to-hand combat.
Possibly, it was kung fu martial arts reason due to which they didn't wither during centuries but
developed and are still alive.

Approximately in VI century Indian preacher
Kung Fu to Kung Fu came to
China and preached Buddhism in Shaolin temple near Loyang. Due to legend it was
he who founded famous shaolin style of wushu. Due to legend later shaolin monks
helped to kung fu martial arts second emperor of Tang dynasty - Li Shimin - in returning
kung fu martial arts throne. Li Shimin allowed to kung fu martial arts temple to have its own monk troops. Special
term appeared - wuseng (monk-warrior). During kung fu martial arts Song dynasty (960-1279)
many monks (inkluding wusengs) went out from temples and became common people.
In XIII century shaolin wushu declined due to numerous persecutions on buddhism
and mongolian invasion. In 1224 a young man came into Shaolin temple and took
monk's name Jueyuan. He had seen a pitiful state of temple's wushu and decided
that true tradition is lost. Jueyuan became revive temple's wushu and, actually,
created a new style, which is still alive.

In 1219 when after capturing China Chingiz-khan went to kung fu martial arts west many
Tai Chi Kung Fu and Persians
became moved to China. Such people were called "semu" ("men with colored eyes"),
they had less rights than Mongolian but more than Chinese. In official documents
of Yuan dynasty they were called "huihui". Moved on kung fu martial
arts east Moslem infantrymen
and artillerymen in 1275, due to order of founder of Yuan dynasty "in all places
entered in communities of border inhabitants", became peasants. From these
people, Arabian immigrants (came to China on ships during Tang and Song
dynasties), and Chinese men converted to Islam kung fu martial arts "huizu" nation ("moslems")
was formed. During more than seven hundred years huizu was indissoluble
connected with wushu. They considered wushu as self-defense and as holy action,
stimulated Moslem's spirit.

In 1351-1368 peasant's rebellion of "red bandages", headed by Zhu Yuanzhang (who
also was a big wushu master), finished Mongolian Yuan dynasty and founded Ming
dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang became its first emperor (dynasty name "Tai-zu"). "Golden
age" of wushu began. In XVI century seaside provinces of China exposed to
devastating raids of Japanese pirates. It was
Chinese Kung Fu (at this
moment he was 27 years old) whom was ordered to "punish kung fu martial
arts bandits and guard
peoples". He was in hard situation: local troops were small, well-prepared
Japanese samurais easy defeated bad organized groups of resistances. Qi Jiguang,
wushu master, decided to attract detachments of local home-guard from wushu
fighters. In 1561 Japanese was defeated in Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong
provinces. After promoting to general, Qi Jiguang ordered for all soldiers and
officers to study wushu. On kung fu martial arts base of various systems of military preparing he
wrote a treatise "Jixiao xinshu" ("New book of records about advantages [in war
craft]"). Due to Qi Jiguang XVI century is considered as turning-point in wushu
history.

Ming dynasty is a time of stable systematic developing and of peaceful
coexistence of different schools. But nothing is forever. 1644, june, 6. Beijing
is captured by manzhu troops. Last emperor of Ming dynasty hang oneself on kung
fu martial arts fortress wall. Founded a new dynasty - Qing. This dynasty existed during more
than two hundred years, up to 1911. Center of wushu
Kung Fu Uniforms was moved to
secret societies. During XIX century China was shaked by many rebellions against
manzhu ruling and dominant influence of foreigners. Secret societies, cultivated
different styles of wushu, were targets for striking in kung fu martial arts rebellion of "Eight
trigrams", in Opium wars, in great people's war of Taipings. Rebelion of
ihetuans (1899-1901), also known as "Boxer's rebellion", became an apotheosis of
activity of secret societies.

Rout of Yihetuan rebellion followed to death of many wushu masters. But
traditions of martial arts could not lose without leaving a trace. During Xinhai
revolution (1911-1913) and later, during Warlords Period activity of secret
societies resumed with new power. Goverment of Chinese Republic rendered a great
assistance to wushu developing. First president of China - Sun Zhongshan (also
known as Sun Yatseng) - studied taijiquan
Buy Kung Fu Clothing from
Cai Guiqin.

His successor - Men's Kung
Fu Clothing (also known as Chang Kaishi) also didn't avoid martial arts, he
visited Guokao ("State test" - something like all-China wushu championship),
which were organized in Nanjing (in that time - capital of China) Central guoshu
institute ("guoshu" means "national art", during Gomindang ruling it was an
official name for wushu), founded in 1928. General Zhang Zhijiang was a rector
of this Institute, he was supported by general Feng Yuxiang. Another big
organization, developed and spread wushu, was Jingwu Assotiation ("Association
of true martial arts") founded in 1909 in Shanghai. Two organizations had
branches in all provinces of China (Jingwu Association - also in other countries
among local Chinese communities: in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines
etc), great masters worked as teachers. During World War II many wushu masters
fought in army or partisan detachments, made theirs contribution in defeating of
Japan.

When Communist Party come to power,
Kung Fu Clothing
called wushu masters to go out from underground. In 1953 since 8 till 12 of
November First All-China Sport Games took place in Tianjing, 75% of it was wushu
exhibitions. 139 styles were demonstrated, competitions in hand-to-hand combat
(without any gears), weapon combat (on long and short weapon) and lifting of
heavy weights (ancient chinese sport) were held. After seeing such a power
goverment got frightened. Secret societies were dispersed. Simultaneously a
Committee of wushu reforming was organized.

Famous wushu master Kung Fu Wushu
on kung fu martial arts base of huaquan (blossomed fist), zhaquan (fist of Zha), paoquan (cannon
fist) hongquan (fist of stream), piguaquan (fist of chopping and hanging),
shaolinquan (fist of Shaolin temple) and some others created a new sport
competitional style changquan (long fist). On kung fu martial arts base of five style of
Guangdong province (styles of Hong, Cai, Li, Liu and Mo families) it was created
new sport computational style nanquan (southern fist). Names of movements were
changed, as a result movements lost mental contents: realy, "crushing mountain
strike" is different from "fist bang on a palm". During "Great Cultural
Revolution" (1966-1976) wushu lovers were repressed for "indulging of feudal
survivals". But in this time popularity of wushu un foreign countries began
increase due to kung fu movies. For in admission of decreasing of international
prestige wushu was let alone.

Description

Styles of Kung Fu encompass both soft and hard, internal and external
techniques. They include grappling, striking, nerve-attack and much weapons
training.

Shaolin Wushu Methods
Hard or External Styles
Stresses training and strengthening of kung fu martial arts joints, bones, and muscles
Requires rigorous body conditioning
Consists of positioning and movement of kung fu martial arts limbs and body, correct technique,
muscular strength, speed, etc.
2.Soft or Internal Styles
Stresses development of internal organs where "Chi" is produced
Allows one to develop mental capability to call upon this "Chi"
Concerned with breathing, poise, and tone of kung fu martial arts core body structures
Long or Northern Styles
Stresses Flexibility, quickness, agility, and balance similar to kung fu martial
arts attributes
of a trained and well-conditioned gymnast
Uses many kicks along with hand techniques
Legs specialize in long-range tactics
Short or Southern
Stresses close-range tactics, power, and stability
Uses mostly hand techniques
Kung Fu almost always seems to incorporate forms and routines. They emphasize
solo practice as well as group practice. (They even have forms for two or more
people). They train in multiple types of weapons. There is also a great emphasis
on sparring in kung fu martial arts harder styles, and sensitivity training in
kung fu martial arts soft styles.

On the surface, Wing Chun is one of the simplest looking systems of Chinese Kung
Fu. Three empty hand forms cover the complete essence of this art. Wing Chun
also uses the long pole and the popular Southern Chinese butterfly knives.
Training in this form of martial art consists of the three forms, sticking
hands, the wooden dummy, sand bag training and finally free style sparring.
However, behind this deceptively simple looking system of Kung Fu is a vast
amount of knowledge - Wing Chun is both simple and elegant, but also very
effective if used in an all out confrontation.

Economy of motion is at all times implemented through the centerline theory, and
this is the key idea in Wing Chun. Wing Chun was designed by a woman, and in so
doing one must realize from the outset that brute strength has no part in this
style - Correct positioning, feeling, timing, and strategy are relied on
instead, you basically use your opponent's strength to your own advantage!!

Shaolin Wushu styles:

A. External Styles (Hard, Physical)

Description:
Styles of Kung Fu encompass both soft and hard, internal and external
techniques. They include grappling, striking, nerve-attack and much weapons
training.

Siu Lim Tao(小念頭) is Wing Chun's first form. Translated as 'Way of the little
Idea', the practitioner uses the form to study and perfect certain Wing Chun
techniques and principles. These include the centreline - the centre of the body
which must be protected; elbow position; leg strengthening; basic techniques;
use of energy (in the last few inches) and body limits. The form is learnt in
the class and practiced at home, lasting anything from five to forty-five
minutes, with about twenty minutes being the generally accepted time limit.

Chum Kiu (尋拳)('Seeking the Bridge') is Wing Chun's second form and introduces
the practitioner to stepping, turning and moving the body in the correct way to
face different directions. It also contains some of the Wing Chun kicks, all of
which are low for maximum effect and minimum risk.

Wing Chun's last hand form is called Biu Gee(標指), literally translated as
'Shooting Fingers'. Traditionally a secret form only taught to close and loyal
students, Biu Tze is the emergency form of Wing Chun, allowing the practitioner
to view possible mistakes or wrong positions, and offers solutions to those
problems. The third form also allows the practitioner to train his or her elbow
strikes, a powerful close range weapon.

Following on from the three hand forms are the more advanced forms of Wing Chun
- the Wooden Dummy(木人樁), the Pole form(六點半棍) and the Knife form(八斬刀). All these
continue on from the hand forms and progress the training, through correct
positioning and use of the weapons, more energy and strength is built up. The
Wooden Dummy provides a useful 24hr-training tool to use for positioning,
footwork and training energy.

Chi Sau(黐手), or 'Sticking Hands', is the backbone of Wing Chun and the training
that bridges the forms and free-fighting. Rather than sparring, Chi Sau gives
two practitioners the opportunity to test and explore each other's strengths and
weaknesses, allowing a unique and unplanned learning process to take place. Chi
Sau practice should be viewed as a game rather than a competition. Chi Sau helps
to hone footwork, reflexes, positioning, techniques, energy and the automatic
response to a situation for which Wing Chun has become famous. Chi Sau has some
similarities to Tai Chi's pushing hands.

KUNG-FU IS A SYSTEM THAT ACCENTUATES SPEED, AGILITY AND CIRCULAR FLOW WHICH DO
NOT REQUIRE PHYSICAL STRENGTH.

What is a Kung-Fu Class like?
A typical class lasts between one and one half to two hours, where men and women
study together. The first part of class includes physical and breathing
exercises to prepare the student for the energetic techniques used in Wu Shu,
which also provides an excellent method of weight reduction and body
conditioning. The students learn: punching, kicking, hand techniques, springing
leg forms, stances, rolls, how to fall, and various breathing forms. Within 10
weeks, students will feel a definite improvement in overall well-being as they
develop their offensive and defensive abilities.

Ever since 1669, when Huang Zongxi first described Chinese martial arts in terms
of Shaolin Uniforms
for Shaolin or "external" school versus a Wudang or "internal" school,[1]
"Shaolin" has been used as a synonym for "external" Chinese martial arts
regardless of whether or not the particular style in question has any connection
to the Shaolin Monastery, especially since 1784, when the Boxing Classic:
Essential Boxing Methods[2] made the earliest extant reference to the Shaolin
Monastery as Chinese boxing's place of origin.[3]

Moreover, since the beginning of the 17th Qi Gong VCD,
the Shaolin Monastery has been famous enough that martial artists have
capitalized on its name by claiming possession of the original, authentic
Shaolin teachings.[4]